Wednesday, 6 March (Part II)
Maxwell AFB Famcamp — Montgomery, Alabama
(Part I — posted here — covered the Mann Wildlife Learning Museum, which is located adjacent to the zoo.)
We arrived at the zoo just a few short minutes after it opened. And that perhaps explains why there were just a couple of cars in the parking lot. That it was a Monday, and that schools are in session, explains why we seldom encountered any other visitors as we wandered the paved paths that took us from one habitat to another.
The zoo admission can be purchased alone ($12/adult), or in combination with the Mann Museum ($6/adult). The combo ticket is discounted to $16/adult, which is the same as what we paid with our military ID. Our six-hour visit was worth every cent of the admission.
Before we visit a zoo, I check to see if it is accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums as this is a pretty good indication that the facility has met some pretty strict standards, and that there will be expansive habitats for most of the animals. In addition to having such accreditation, the Montgomery Zoo is also a participant of the Species Survival Plan program. That gets another thumbs up from us.
The Zoo is laid out by continents; see map above (downloaded from the zoo website). All but Antarctica and Europe are represented. We visited each habitat, spending more time at some than others. The animals were active, offering us behavioral glimpses that added to our enjoyment. Most of the habitats offered glass- and fence-free overlooks that made viewing and photographing the animals a pleasant experience.
Parakeet Cove is one of the two free-flight aviaries at the zoo.
Time for this red kangaroo mom to feed the baby!
26-second video — First time we’ve seen ‘roos in action!
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Left: a beautiful free-ranging peahen poses for us at the elephant habitat overlook.
Right: In the free-flight aviary, a grey peacock pheasant displays for his mate.
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Left: There’s something wrong with this poor Bontebok’s rear right leg; he drags it as he walks.
Right: Grant’s zebra … double the pleasure photo op.
The horns of the Greater Kudu can spiral up to 6 feet (1.8m).
showing off to the female, This buck has been locking horns with the log behind him.
24-second video of the Greater Kudu locking horns with the downed tree trunk.
Marabou Stork displaying for his mate; and bringing her a gift for the nest.
I wonder what the cheetah on the other side of the fence thinks of the stork’s shenanigans?
African Crowned Cranes … such beautiful birds.
Sorry about the fence in the foreground … I opted not to zoom in so I could
capture this quintessential pose of a big cat napping in a tree.
When I did zoom in, the jaguar even opened his eyes to pose for me.
But my favorite photo of him is posted in my Viewfinder blog; worth a look-see.
The expressions on the faces of these spider monkeys are priceless;
I could have spent hours watching their antics.
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Left: I can never pass up an opportunity to photograph the American Bald Eagle.
Right: The three Chilean Flamingos in the center are having a raucous “discussion!”
“You can’t say I don’t bend over backwards for you!” …
says the Juvenile scarlet ibis to the photographer.
Bathing time for this Scarlet Ibis involves a lot of splashing around.
The American Wood Duck … just look at those colors!
And in closing, just so you know that I didn’t overlook the signs of spring blooming around the zoo …
You might think I shared a lot of photos with you. I assure you, this is just a small sample of the photos I kept after culling through the 1400+ (that’s not a typo) images that Mui and I took between us. Yes, the cameras were operating in full burst mode ;-) If you’d like to check out some of the other photos from our outing, click here to visit my online gallery.
These are just too gorgeous for words. I couldn't pick my favorite if you forced me.
ReplyDeleteFirst of all, thank you for the link to the Association of Zoos and Aquariums. I didn't know that existed. Of course I quickly checked and was happy to see that The Oregon Zoo, Oregon Coast Aquarium, and Wildlife Safari are on the accredited list.
ReplyDeleteI loved your album of pictures and the videos. Can't pick a favorite as I enjoyed them all. I was touched to see how tenderly the mama 'roo had her "hands" protectively around her joey as he nursed. And the closeup of the jaguar was breath-taking. Thanks for sharing your day with us. Nature is indeed wondrous in its diversity.
Gosh, what a terrific day at the zoo..... Well we all get to use the price of admission with the beautiful photos to share..... WOW....Who can pick a favorite..... I enjoyed every minute of this visit....thank you, both ....
ReplyDeleteHere's a factoid for you fresh from our 2012 trip to Australia...
ReplyDeleteThe kangaroo's powerful tail acts as a fifth leg. You've heard of kangaroos kicking with their rear legs. The way they do it is to balance all their body weight on their tail, then they can kick forward with both rear legs.
Also, 'roos have long claws on their front legs. Some people gotten too close when the 'roo is in the upright position. Then when the 'roo comes down to the ground, the claws on the front legs shred the front of the person. One ranger said a lady had her breasts almost chopped off and other people have had their chests clawed open. The 'roos are not doing it to hurt people. People just get in the way of the 'roo.
Your photos of the maribou stork displaying, the scarlet ibis washing, the juvenile scarlet ibis bending its neck back, the jaguar draped on its tree and the wood duck are my favorites.
ReplyDelete1,400 pictures??? Wow. I think I've taken too many when I have 180.
I like the Marabou Stork strutting his stuff with those long and lanky stick legs -- pretty comical. And the bright color of the Scarlet Ibis is stunning.
ReplyDeleteErin, your photos are beautiful. You captured the animals in so many interesting ways. Great colors. Love the kangaroos!
ReplyDeleteYou can post as many photos as you wish. I love the way you capture anything. My favorites are the stork, American Wood Duck and jaguar. Thanks so much for sharing this wonderful zoo. I love visiting them, unfortunately, Paul does not.
ReplyDeleteWow. Every photo is stunning, almost better than being there. You must have been excited to see this post come to life.
ReplyDeleteCome one, tell the truth. You used to be a wildlife photographer for National Geographic, right?
ReplyDeleteI'll take that as a compliment!
DeleteStunning photos! I need to learn from you.
ReplyDelete-MonaLiza
The Dalai Lama once said,
ReplyDelete“Happiness is not something ready-made. It comes from your own actions.”
As a result of your photography and blogging activities, you have bestowed happiness upon us.
Uplifting, cheering… thank you M’dear.
(ps. Heading up to the Ruby Mize Azalea Garden, as soon as the blooms peak, for a big dose of pink happiness)
What amazing photos. I guess we'll have to visit that zoo.
ReplyDeleteGreat pictures. Whenever I go to zoos, all the animals seem to go into hiding. 1400 pictures! I didn't take that many in two weeks in Hawaii.
ReplyDelete